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We Are Augustines

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Is a Strong Dollar Good for the Economy?

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The truth is yes.  And no.  A strong dollar is good for some sectors and not as good for others.  The answer to this question varies greatly with your position.  When the dollar is strong it means that you can buy more foreign currency for your money.  If you are a person looking to enter the Forex market, that could be great.  If you are a trader who holds large positions of foreign currency it would be bad for your portfolio.  This is just one example of how a strong dollar can be both good and bad.

One situation where a strong dollar is a positive thing is when travelling abroad.  The travel is cheaper, you can purchase more currency, so your buying power is higher.  In the US it means that a consumer who buys imported goods can get more for his or her money but a consumer who is selling exported goods does not do as well.  For example, most luxury cars are imported so they will be less expensive when the dollar is strong.  If prices of imports fall, there is more disposable income in the wallets of most Americans.  This leads to a higher standard of living for many Americans which is indicative of a good economy.

Sometimes, whether or not a strong dollar is good for the economy depends on the reason that the dollar is strong.  If the dollar is strong because other currencies have weakened that is a different story than if the dollar is strong because of competition and increased international trade.

In terms of the job market, unfortunately, when export business is slow, so is the job market in the US.  That when the dollar is strong, exports do not sell as well, then the companies who do most or all of their business in export suffer and they do not have jobs to offer.  Fewer jobs leads to a decline in the economy because obviously, those without jobs have less money to spend.

The flip side of the travel aspect is that although travel outside of the US is less expensive, travel to the US becomes more expensive, thus lowering the number of tourists and what they spend.  Tourists to the US account for a percentage of the spending locally.  Therefore, when the dollar is strong and the cost of travel to the US is high and the money that the tourists have to spend buys fewer things, they spend less and the US economy suffers somewhat.

In addition, another negative to the strong dollar is that companies who have international sales or franchises will see their profits reduced and that will affect their businesses and their investors.  This can be mostly seen in larger corporations such as McDonalds, Coca-Cola, and others who have the majority of their sales in other countries.

So, as you see, the answer to whether or not a strong US dollar is good for the US economy really depends on who you ask.  There is no one clear answer.

The Productivity Benefits of Using a Serviced Office

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Your surroundings have a big impact on how productive you are in any aspect of your life. For most people, trying to workout at home just isn’t as effective as working out in a gym, where the music is pumping, there are bright lights and everyone is sweating and working hard. If you are trying to study, it’s very difficult to be productive in a loud café with everyone around you chatting, waiters bumping off tables and children running around between the furniture. Well, the same logic applies to your business environment.

In order to be as productive as you possibly can be, it’s important to create a positive, comfortable atmosphere that you associate with accomplishing your goals. You need an office space that gets the most out of you and your team, allows you to meet with clients and be confident in what you do. In Hong Kong, there are some excellent serviced options throughout the city that provide business owners with the right space to achieve their business goals in prime locations and with flexible leasing options. Take a look at this website link for some of the city’s best locations.

Continue reading to find out just some of the ways that serviced offices can lead to productivity benefits for you and your team.

The Right Setup

Utilising a serviced office means that form the moment you walk through the door on the first day, everything is set up and ready to go. You have all the tools, infrastructure and telecommunications facilities you could possibly need to get the ball rolling. What’s more, you’ll even have staff there to answer the phones, look after your mail and greet your clients so that you can get on with the job at hand.

Not having to spend time putting all of this in place instantly allows you and your team to be more productive as you can focus on reaching your business goals while someone else looks after your office.

More Control

In a traditional office setup, you don’t always have as much control over your lease. There are often long contract commitments to be considered which can hinder your progress from the get-go.

A serviced option, on the other hand, negates these issues with flexible month-to-month leasing options that include your rent and utilities. You will also have access to state-of-the-art conference facilities, meeting rooms and video-conferencing, to stay connected with your clients both in Hong Kong and around the globe. Having this kind of flexibility means you don’t have to be stressing out about being locked into a long-term lease and instead can focus on improving your business processes, becoming more efficient and growing your business.

An Interior to Be Proud Of

There’s something motivating about walking into a well-appointed office space that brings out the best in employees. It might seem superficial but when you are sitting in an office with a nice décor, furniture and lighting you tend to be more productive as you are happy in your surroundings.

You might not have the interior design skills to really bring an office to life but a serviced provider has years of experience in designing not only beautiful but functional office space and this is something you can easily take advantage of.

Be in the Right Place for Ultimate Productivity

Premium serviced providers offer office space in the most prestigious business districts and office buildings in Hong Kong. Being in close proximity to major transport hubs and other business services you might need, means you don’t have to spend your precious time zipping all over town unnecessarily.

Being productive in business means better staff morale, increased sales and an overall improvement in your income each month. With a serviced office, you can reach these goals quicker than you ever would with a more traditional office setup. Go serviced and start your business on the fast-track to success.

4 Valentine’s Day Gifts You Can Make with Yarn 

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You don’t have to get an expensive bouquet of red roses or a heart-shaped box of chocolates to show your affection to your loved ones. Instead of shelling out money for these expected presents, you should use your creative skills to put together adorable gifts — all you will need are some craft supplies, some time and lots of yarn.

Love Bugs

This crocheting craft is easy to do and only requires colourful yarn, stuffing and two black beads for little eyes. The website Yarnspirations will have the love bug pattern available, along with other fun crochet patterns to use for projects in the future. The website will also have most of the supplies that you need to complete the craft—you can get high quality yarn delivered to you within days after browsing through the amazing selection.

Pompom Flowers

A bouquet of these flowers will be even better than red or pink roses — they won’t be as expensive as any flowers priced around Valentine’s Day and they will never wilt. Forget about temporary blooms and make a pompom bouquet instead — you will need a handful of simple supplies like yarn, scissors, twigs, ribbon and a hot glue gun. The pompoms should be made with a chunky yarn instead of a fine fiber so that they end up looking as thick and fluffy as possible. For additional details, you can paint the twigs green and add ribbon leaves to make them look like real stems.

Cup Cozies

A cup cozy is a great gift for a friend or co-worker who just can’t seem to get enough coffee in the morning. To put together your DIY cup cozy for Valentine’s Day you will need knitting needles and pink yarn—you can sew on a decorative heart made of white felt embroidered with kind messages. This practical present will make someone’s cup of coffee a little warmer and their morning a little sweeter.

Spools of Yarn 

This is a simple gift that will be perfect for someone who enjoys crafty activities like knitting and crocheting. All you have to do is get some spools of yarn in holiday colours like red, pink and purple, along with crochet hooks. Then tie the spools together with ribbon, slip the hooks inside and add a fun message — try some wordplay like I’m hooked on you, I yarn for you or I need-le you to be mine. This present is great for those who find themselves too busy to knit or crochet an item, but still want to share their love of crafts.

Whether you hand these Valentine’s Day gifts to your coworkers, to your friends or to your significant other, they will be appreciated for their uniqueness. While it’s always nice to receive chocolates and roses, it will be much more impressive to receive these handcrafted gifts that come from the heart.

Why Some Business Videos Are More Engaging Than Others

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Have you noticed that some business videos seem to be much better at engaging viewers than others? Generally these videos not only attract more views, but also get liked, shared, and commented on much more.

Make no mistake it isn’t just a coincidence that some business videos outperform others. In fact in most cases business videos that are more engaging for several concrete reasons:

  • Duration

Engaging business videos almost always optimize their duration based on their audience and the platform that they’re being published. These videos recognize the fact that if a video is too long it will hemorrhage viewers, and keep the duration short to avoid that from happening. If you’ve seen bite-sized videos that are 15 seconds long or so – you now know why.

  • Emotion

One of the reasons why some business videos consistently engage viewers better is because they provoke emotional reactions. Odds are you may have observed this yourself in videos that are humorous, inspirational, or shocking. The more intense of an emotion viewers feel, the more engaged they’ll be.

  • Visuals

The main reason why videos are so engaging in the first place is largely due to their visual nature. As such it should not surprise you to find that engaging business videos leverage that fact, and use visuals to attract and keep the attention of the audience. Some business videos go the extra mile and ensure that their content can be delivered in an entirely visual manner, which often improves engagement further.

While there are definitely other factors that can affect the engagement of business videos, the ones listed above often play the most important role. If your business videos aren’t engaging enough it would be a good idea to learn from them, and emulate more engaging business videos.

Of course if you want to create engaging business videos you’ll need to not only be able to record video footage, but edit it too. That can often be challenging if you don’t have much experience, but Movavi Video Editor can help on that front. As a user-friendly editor it doesn’t have a steep learning curve, and you won’t need more than a few minutes to familiarize yourself with it.

Make no mistake the features in Movavi Video Editor contain everything you need to create professional-looking and impressive videos. It will let you compile your videos, remove unwanted segments, enhance the video quality, and fix common issues or carry out video cropping. Additionally you will also be able to add audio tracks, apply special effects and filters, insert customizable text elements, include animated transitions, and more.

Due to the scope of features that Movavi Video Editor provides, you should be able to not only process the raw footage that you record, but polish it and make it look unique so that it stands out more. All said and done that should help you to make sure your business videos are as engaging as possible – especially if you pay close attention to the factors that were outlined above.

You can also learn more about videos and other programs on windows maximizer.

Why Is An LLC More Popular Than Other Corporations?

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You do not have to have a master’s degree in business to know about the popularity of an LLC as a business entity type.  If you know someone who has a small business, there is a good chance that the business is an LLC.  You might even consider starting an LLC yourself if you want to go into business.  People who are averse to paperwork and to paying lots of taxes find the LLC entity type especially appealing.

What is so Great About an LLC?

LLC stands for limited liability company.  All businesses involve some amount of risk, meaning that you might lose money by operating the business.  When you choose an LLC, the company can only lose its money, not yours.  Plenty of people have gone broke when their business ventures failed.  Their businesses were not LLCs. The LLC entity designation prevents you from personal financial losses if your business fails.  Likewise, if someone sues your LLC, the court cannot make you use your personal assets to pay what the court orders you to pay the plaintiff.  Business closures and corporate lawsuits are very common.  It makes sense for cautious entrepreneurs to choose the LLC entity designation.

Getting Started with Your LLC

You must get a federal Tax ID number to make your LLC official.  You can apply online for this number, which is officially called an EIN.  It is like getting a social security number for your business.  The form is very short, and you will receive an email with your EIN the same day.  Once you get it, you can open a bank account for your LLC.

An LLC offers you great protection from financial loss.  It is the practical choice when you are starting a small business.

A Floor Made for DIY Lovers

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If you’re a DIY fan and are looking to give your house a little renovation you will definitely be interested in learning about vinyl click flooring. These floors have all the benefits and features of regular vinyl floors but with the added benefit of an easy to install system.

Vinyl click flooring is a kind of luxury vinyl tile. So, instead of looking like the old sheet vinyl, this floor is actually sold in individual tiles. Vinyl flooring is known for being a highly durable product lasting up to 20 years and is made of plastic, so it is totally resistant to water. Therefore, you can install it everywhere in your house, bathroom and kitchen included. Vinyl tiles are highly recommended for rooms with a heavy footfall thanks to the tiles being very robust. This also makes them scratch resistant, so is perfect for busy homes with pets and kids for example.

Another advantage that vinyl click flooring shares with the other vinyl floors it its low maintenance. It is extremely easy to clean needing only a regular sweep, hoover and mop to maintain its looks. This is where you will save money long term, as more expensive floors often need specialist cleaning products. Similarly, vinyl tiles are nonporous, meaning they don’t trap dust, dirt of allergens, making them extremely hygienic and a popular design trend. This is something again to consider if you have children who spend their time playing on the floor.

You might be sat thinking that a cheaper price means a lower quality look. That’s where you’re wrong. Luxury vinyl tiles are available in a huge range of designs and styles that all look genuine and authentic. Whether its wood or tile effect, these floors are beautifully versatile so can adapt to any existing interior design you may have. These floors really are a win-win. They’re unbelievably practical and look incredible, what’s not to love!

Now, lets talk about the real selling point to these floors, the installation method. Using a “click” system, the tiles lock together allowing you to simply lay and lock the pieces in to place. This is ideal long-term as if one tile were to become damaged, you could simply click it back out and replace it with a new one. This saves a huge amount of wastage since you won’t have to tear up and reinstall a whole new floor. If you’re and experienced DIY lover you may even be able to install these floors yourself. This will also save you money of hiring a joiner or professional fitter, so is something to consider. Remember to be realistic about your skill level though, if you’re not totally confident, always consult a specialist.

So, there you have it. A floor that will delight DIY lovers and homeowner alike. A perfect mix of practicality, good looks and low cost. So what are you waiting for, make sure you check out vinyl  click tiles and all they have to offer!

Using Exercise to Fight Anxiety and Depression

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The benefits of exercise with regards to physical health are commonly known. These benefits include an enhanced metabolism, lowering of blood sugar, cardio-protective benefits, and more. However, many have scanty knowledge on the benefits of exercise in emotional well-being through significant reduction of depression and anxiety. Doing workouts regularly can sometimes feel hard, especially when you experience muscle damages and fatigue. Well researched and high quality steroids can be used to recover faster and build muscles. To get quality steroids at affordable rates, visit https://steroids-evolution.com/.

Reasons why exercise helps with anxiety and depression symptoms

Here are some theories that explain why exercise helps to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety:

Ø  There is improved neurotransmitter activity, or in other words, enhanced chemical transmission of messages between neurons, or from neurons to muscles.

Ø  Exercise enhances self-esteem, with low self-esteem being a common symptoms with those who suffer from depression.

Ø  Release stored energy which can help to relieve anxiety

Ø  Exercise works as a way to divert attention from stressors and works as a coping mechanism.

Ø  Exercise facilitates social interactions.

However, the reasons why exercise helps with reducing anxiety and depression are not as important as the fact that it works.

Guidelines on how you can use exercise for your mental and emotional well-being

Do your exercise outdoors

Doing your exercise outdoors in the beauty of nature is better and does miracles in improving your emotional and mental well-being. Just about 5 minutes of exercising outdoors can raise your self-esteem and make your mood better. In addition, working out outdoors reduces tension and anger. It also allows the body to take in Vitamin D which is crucial for managing depressive symptoms.

Be part of a community

You would be better off exercising with friends as you enjoy the benefits of doing exercise while also interacting. This will enhance relationship with others. It offers a chance for social support, a very crucial factor for mental well-being.

Exercise at moderate intensity

To have a positive mental health, exercise must not be too intense. Moderate-intensity is what experts recommend and such exercise has been observed to be effective in reducing symptoms of depression. If while exercising you are able to talk in short sentences but cannot sing, you are most probably exercising at a moderate intensity. This is called the talk test.

Craft functional goals

Some goals are vague which will cause you frustration and waste your time. Such goals may include: “I want to lose weight,” or, “I want to enhance my physique.” They also indicate so little about your capability and traits. On the other hand, functional goals are more meaningful, substantial, and well-timed. Examples of functional goals include adding the weight you use for squats, and doing your first pull-up properly. Such goals will improve your perceived self-worth, making you believe in your capability as an exerciser. As a result, your self-concept and mood are enhanced.

Keep off situations that make you feel inadequate

If social media platforms and fitness places make you feel inferior and inadequate due to unhealthy comparisons, selectively unsubscribe from those centers, avoid sites or checking persons that make you feel bad. You should then choose to go to fitness locations and be around  those that promote your positive feelings. Look for sources that help you exercise and beat emotional and mental issues.

Appreciate your body after a workout

After finishing a bout of exercise, pause to reflect and be thankful for your body’s ability to do workouts and feed it healthful foods. Appreciate your body for taking you through the exercise. Being thankful enhances mental health.

Conclusion

Following the above guidelines will make exercise produce positive effect on your emotional and mental health, as it does on your physical well-being.

Rental For Wedding Is Convenient And Affordable

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For people who are staying in apartments, the limited public space is very inconvenient when it comes to holding any kind of celebration or event involving a big crowd. So the best thing is to look for a place that is big enough for large group. A place that can take in enough tables and chairs, and whatever furniture and equipment needed for the event.

There are many fantastic places available for rentals for weddings, birthdays, or for hosting of all kinds of events. Companies that provide tables and chair rentals simplify the planning and hosting of events and at the same time helping you to save time and money. Rental is usually the better and more affordable choice compared to booking a posh or expensive restaurant.

When we plan for important event such as a wedding, we want to make sure that every guest will have a place to sit. We wouldn’t want any guest to be left standing without a seat, and it will reflect very badly on the host of the event. First, we need to choose the right type of venue to hold the event. Then we need to choose the tables and chairs to suit the theme of the wedding. We also need to know the number of guests expected to turn up for the wedding reception, lunch or dinner.

 

When we rent wedding furniture, we need not have to worry about the transportation nor do we need to stress over the setting up of the furniture. The rental company offers a wide variety of styles for their clients to choose from. Things like seating arrangements, fans, cooler, and setting up of canopies if it is an outdoor event. Wedding backdrops, stage, wedding cakes, welcome gifts, carpets, sound system, etc. are a must during such events.

Whether you are looking for outdoor or indoor settings, the rental companies will be able to assist you so that you don’t need to DIY. If you need professional help, you can even hire an event planner who is experienced in their job. You can consult and discuss with the event planner either for full package or part package deal. You can also choose your own food caterer, or have the event planner take care of it. All you have to do is choose the menu for the buffet or full course dinner. The event planner will have to know your budget. A professional event planner will respect and take into consideration your budget and will plan within the budget.

What Is The Format of an EIN?

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Businesses and other entities utilize what is known as an EIN, or employer identification number. This number is used for filing taxes, payroll, applying for loans, credit cards and banking. An EIN is generally nine digits long. While a social security number is also nine digits, it is written in the following format: three numbers, dash, two numbers, dash, and four numbers (XXX-XX-XXXX). AN EIN is formatted differently to distinguish it:  two numbers, dash, followed by seven numbers (XX-XXXXXXX).

Identifying the Issuing Agency 

EINs issued prior to 2001 utilized a numbering system wherein the first two digits indicated the geographical area in which the tax ID was issued. In 2001, the IRS centralized the assignment of all EINs, so this prefix does not have the same function as it once did. However, some EIN centers still have a dedicated prefix, as do EINs assigned online or through the Small Business Administration. Most businesses will find that the prefix numbers do not mean anything to them, as it does not generally matter which IRS agency assigned your EIN.

Using Your EIN 

When you write your EIN on an application or another document, it is essential that you do so with the right format: XX-XXXXXXX. If you do not, it could create problems down the line as you try to conduct business. It might lead to confusion or inaccurate records. Most documents made for businesses will have a prefilled space that follows the correct format. However, some documents simply have an empty space, since businesses or individuals might use a different type of tax ID instead of an EIN.

Simple EIN Application

Every business must have a unique identifying number. Sole practitioners might be able to use their social security number, but most businesses must have an EIN. At IRS-EIN-Tax-ID Filing Service, we streamline the EIN online application to make it easier for you. Start your EIN application here.

How to Get Fit For Summer!

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If you’re excited about summer approaching and are interested in getting into the best shape of your life, continue reading to discover 5 easy to follow tips to get fit for summer!

How to Get Fit For Summer:

Stop at your local swimming pool, on your way to work

If you’re interested in cross-training and are keen to work out, outside of a gym, it’s well worth swimming a few laps of your local public swimming pool, before work. As not only is swimming a full body exercise, which burns hundreds of calories but you’ll also be more keen to swim at the beach during the warm summer months if you become a more competent, confident swimmer.

Purchase an inexpensive yoga mat

While cardio based exercises such as swimming, running, and cycling should definitely feature in your workout regime, to sculpt a long, lean, toned body it’s also worth incorporating body resistance exercises such as Pilates and Yoga into your workout schedule. Just search Youtube for free Yoga and Pilates routines.

If you purchase a cheap yoga mat, you’ll also be able to use it to perform exercises with a medicine ball. As an example, try lying down on your yoga mat and completing 10 sits up using a 7 pound or 3 kg medicine ball. If you’re looking to sculpt defined abs, you’ll love the results of this particular exercise.

Consider cycling to work in order to kill two birds with one stone

If you’re a competent cyclist, you may want to consider getting up a little earlier each morning, so you have enough time to cycle to work. If it ends up raining or you’re too tired to cycle home most trains and buses allow cyclists onboard. Especially if you invest in a fold-up bicycle, that takes up little room.

As an added benefit if you choose to start cycling to work you should also find that you’re able to save a significant amount of money as you’ll use less gas on a weekly basis or will save a small fortune in public transportation associated costs.

Make sure that you have healthy snacks on hand at all times

In order to avoid consuming unhealthy calorie-laden junk foods such as french fries, burgers, and cookies, it’s wise to pre-pack small servings of healthy snacks into zip-lock bags which you can keep in your bag, car or office drawer. As you’ll significantly decrease your chances of ordering greasy takeout from a drive-through restaurant such as Mc Donalds.

Join a local running group or sport’s team

If you find it hard to keep to an exercise regime in the long term, it’s well worth joining a local sport’s team or running group as if you make friends who lead a healthy lifestyle, you’ll be far more inclined to keep to your own exercise regime. Better yet, you’ll also make tons of new friends to share your active adventures with!

So if you’re determined to sculpt a beach body for summer, it’s well worth following the handy lifestyle tips listed above.